Family

Meliphagidae

Genus

Phylidonyris

Species

pyrrhoptera

Threats/Control Methods - Regional

This species is vulnerable to many threats. The quality of the alpine forests in which it depends upon for breeding is declining due to weed infestations, severe bush fires, drought and land clearing. Predation by feral animals also poses a threat. Breeding success is limited by the long-term nature of partnerships and territories, as breeding will end if one partner dies or if the territory is destroyed. Honeyeaters may contribute to spreading weeds throughout native forests if native flowering species are not available to eat.

Threats/Control Methods - Local

Any birds leaving the ANBG and heading for the suburbs are instantly under threat of predation by local Cats (Felis catus).

Local/Urban Actions

Gardeners is suburbs where any honeyeaters are likely to visit can replace introduced plant species with flowering natives such as grevilleas, as this will encourage birds into the suburbs without the risk of spreading weeds into surrounding bushland. Cat owners can prevent predation by providing a stimulating indoor environment and an outdoor cat enclosure for their pets.

Common Names

Crescent Honeyeater, Chinawing, Egypt, Horseshoe Honeyeater

Distinguishing Features

The Crescent Honeyeater is 15-16 cm in size with a typical honeyeater downward curved beak and a long, slender body. The male's head and back is a dark grey colour, with bright yellow patches through the wings and tail. The underparts are light grey and streaked, and a thick dark band (crescent) reaches across each side of the breast, with a white line underneath. Eyes are dark red with a white brow. The female is similarly patterned and is pale brown-grey with smaller and duller yellow patches. Young birds are dull and lack the crescent band across the breast.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A loud 'tee-chiep', a high, musical 'tcheip-tcheip', or a rapid 'chip-chip-chip' alarm.

Distribution

This species is only found in the very southern regions of eastern Australia, from Sydney, south across to Adelaide and throughout TAS and surrounding islands. Locally, Crescent Honeyeaters inhabit the ranges to the west of Canberra and have colonised the ANBG.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Population numbers have fluctuated greatly over the past 25 years, however recently they appear to be in decline (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

LSCCES Population

Associated vegetation community

The Crescent Honeyeater can be found in wet eucalypt forests and alpine woodlands, preferring areas with thick undergrowth. They are also found in some suburban areas with thick native flowering species.

Limiting Resources

In suburban areas, the Cresent Honeyeater depends upon a reliable source of water and thick flowering native bushes, especially grevillias. Areas without feral or domestic Cats (Felis catus).

Breeding

This species does not have a defined breeding season, although most activity takes place between July and March. Breeding pairs form a life-long bond and maintain a breeding territory every year. They make a thick-walled nest of sticks, bark and grass in the thickest part of undergrowth, within two meters of the ground. 2-3 pink-brown eggs are laid and incubated by the female for 14 days. Both parents feed the young for up to a month after they hatch.

Behaviour

This is a very noisy and active species, however it is not as social as other honeyeaters and is typically seen alone or in very small groups. These birds migrate with altitude and travel down into Canberra over the colder months from higher surrounding ranges. Males are especially vocal during their breeding season. They can be seen foraging about vegetation in swift flight.

Functional Group

Food Species

Predators

The low-lying nests of the Crescent Honeyeater leaves the birds and their young susceptible to predation any feral animals, however both domestic and feral Cats (Felis catus) are the most likely to hunt this species.

Interesting Fact

Breeding pairs are together for life and also defend the same territory for breeding and feeding every year, often very close to where they themselves were born.